Loyola Blakefield Announces Two Gifts in Honor of Stephen Morrill to Advance Technology Education

Loyola Blakefield is thrilled to announce two groundbreaking gifts totaling over $500,000 in honor of Stephen Morrill, Director of Technology and Cyber Science, recognizing his transformative influence on technology education. These contributions will supercharge the Cyber Science Initiative and secure a lasting legacy of innovation at Loyola. 

Thanks to the generosity of Christopher M. Rodriguez ’13 and his parents, Paco and Tina Rodriguez, will propel the Loyola Blakefield Cyber Science Initiative (LBCSI) to new heights. As one of Steve Morrill’s original six Cyber Science students in 2011, Chris knows firsthand the power of Morrill’s mentorship. This funding will unlock cutting-edge resources, expand access to elite competitions, and connect students with real-world cybersecurity challenges, empowering the next generation of tech trailblazers.

To honor Morrill’s visionary leadership, Ralph W. Edwards, Jr. ’77 and his wife, Peggy, established the Loyola Blakefield Endowed Technology Fund in Honor of Stephen Morrill. This endowment will provide perpetual support for Loyola’s technology programs, ensuring students have access to state-of-the-art tools and opportunities for decades to come.

Morrill has been the driving force behind a flourishing program that now engages over 100 students and earns national and global accolades, including top honors in CyberPatriot and CyberMaryland competitions. “As a student, I was inspired by my technology mentor and a generous donor who gave us access to cutting-edge equipment,” said Edwards. “Now, Peggy and I are honored to pay that forward by supporting Loyola and Steve’s lasting impact on future generations.”

The endowed fund will drive transformative projects, including upgrades to the Innovative Learning Center, investments in emerging technologies, and hands-on experiences that bridge classroom learning with real-world impact.